Tigers acquire RHP Jackson from Rays

Dec 11, 2008 - 5:58 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers continue to fill holes in a cost-effective way.

The Tigers late Wednesday night completed a trade that sent outfielder Matt Joyce to the Tampa Bay Rays for righthander Edwin Jackson.

Detroit has been one of the more active teams at the Winter Meetings this week, filling holes by acquiring catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers and signing shortstop Adam Everett to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Jackson represents an upgrade for the pitching staff, a sore spot for the club last season. He made just over $400,000 this past year and is eligible for arbitration this winter.

"We are thrilled to add an established starter the caliber of Edwin Jackson to our club," Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "Jackson is coming off a solid season with the Rays, and we feel he is a tremendous addition to our staff."

The Tigers' starters posted a 5.03 ERA in 2008, ranking 11th in the American League.

Jackson, 25, went 14-11 with a 4.25 ERA last season but was being squeezed out of the rotation in Tampa Bay in favor of phenom David Price.

Joyce, 24, made his major league debut with Detroit in 2008, hitting .252 with 12 home runs and 33 RBI in 242 at-bats.